Out and About Blog by Norm Stutesman

We are in the middle of the Michigan summer season. Mother nature has been pretty good to us when it comes to the weather. We’ve had warm temperatures, but not as severe as Arizona and other southwestern states, and we haven’t had much as far as flooding is concerned. Get ready for August, however, because I’m sure it’s going to …

Nothing tastes better than burgers and dogs cooked on your outdoor grill. Whether you burn charcoal or propane, the meat always seems to taste a little better. Besides, the lady of the house appreciates you messing up the grill instead of her messing up the kitchen stove and heating up the entire kitchen. I don’t mean to sound sexist, but …

Lately, I’ve noticed more and more people with “Jimmy Legs”. The first time I heard of “Jimmy Legs” was on the Seinfeld television show. Evidently, it involves the uncontrollable twitching of the legs. I’ve noticed it while in a restaurant or other venue where people are sitting down. Usually, one leg is in motion as if keeping time with music. …

If you are a history-buff, you’ll be interested in learning that for the first time since December 7, 1941, the Navy will have a USS Arizona serving in its fleet. Popular Mechanics reports the new Arizona is a Virginia-class attack submarine. The sub’s keel was laid recently at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island. Of the …

In the past, Monks have had the reputation of being quite knowledgeable when it comes to giving advice. Here are some helpful hints on what we can all do to protect our valuable energy: It’s okay to cancel a commitment. It’s okay to not answer that call. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to want to be alone. …

The Sixty-Sixth Annual Three Rivers Water Festival is now in the history books, and what a festival it was. The weather cooperated and it seems everyone had a good time. Many thanks to all the sponsors for their support. You’ll want to check the local news and newspaper for information on the other festivals going on this summer. Colon, White …

This week is Water Festival week. Everything starts with the Water Festival Parade, which steps off at 7 PM Thursday evening. The rain date is Friday at the same time. This is the 66th Annual Water Festival and it seems to get better every year. This event started out as the “Water Carnival” and one of the highlights back then …

Wednesday, June 14, is Flag Day, a day when everyone should fly the American flag. Patriotic Americans fly Old Glory everyday, but the fourteenth is extra important. The current fifty star American flag started as a school project. Approved by President Eisenhower, the design of the American flag started as the school project of a high school student named Bob …

This week we celebrate Memorial Day. It’s more a day of remembrance than a day of celebration. On this day we remember those members of our Armed Forces who have passed, whether in an armed conflict or in peacetime. Memorial Day is also recognized as the first day of summer, even though summer doesn’t actually begin until next month. Beginning …

What is the difference between a hurricane, typhoon or a cyclone? There is no difference except for the fact that they are known by a different name depending on where you are in the world. Most of us are familiar with the name hurricane and we know what kind of damage can be done. A hurricane is known as a …